I didn't read the Cursebreaker series before this one. And it's do-able, but you miss a lot of the history and backstory to side characters who play a big part of the plot progression. The three main viewpoints are Jax and Callyn (two Briarlock villagers), and Tycho (who has history that is briefly mentioned). 

I really enjoyed this story and the intrigue about it. Three people who don't know who is on which side, and the villagers who don't know which is the right side.  Each chapter is a different viewpoint, so you get to see their opinions, viewpoints, and reasoning. The story starts slow but draws you in until you don't know what is happening. The last few chapters went fast and took a surprising turn which makes me eager for the next book in this series. 

Jax became my favorite character and I think he evolved the most. Callyn comes across as stubborn at times and not willing to admit they are wrong.